2012 jeep wrangler Reviews and News

The Wrangler is the Jeep franchise. It's the rock on which the entire brand's positioning is built. The Wrangler is not always be the bestselling Jeep (although through November of this year it's ahead of the Grand Cherokee by a nose), but it's the most important.

Of Jeep's many overseers -- Kaiser, AMC, Renault, Chrysler, DaimlerBenz, Cerberus, and now Fiat -- the current ones seem to understand this. The Wrangler underwent its last major redesign in 2007. Typically, you'd expect to see a minor update after three years and a major redo after six. Indeed, there were some changes visited upon the Wrangler for 2010; but Jeep has continued updating the vehicle, giving it a new interior for 2011 and a new powertrain this year.

Having not been in a Wrangler since 2010, both the 2011 and 2012 updates were new to me. Alas, the much-anticipated new interior turns out to be pretty underwhelming. Only in a Wrangler could the arrival of padded armrests (up front at least) and heated seats be considered a huge step forward. I guess we'll have to wait another decade for the much-needed driver's dead pedal or a telescoping steering column. The navigation unit is the same one offered previously, with a small screen and not enough physical buttons, particularly for the audio system. Thankfully, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls are part of the new-interior upgrade, and they are most welcome.

Unlike the new interior, the new Pentastar V-6 does not disappoint. This engine is far superior to the old 3.8-liter V-6. That's apparent from the first moment you step on the gas. Instead of grudgingly accelerating to highway speeds -- as if to emphasize the fact that it would rather be picking its way along some backwoods trail -- the 2012 model confidently surges forward with a light press of the right pedal. Nice. With 285 horsepower, the new 3.6-liter wastes the old 3.8 and its measly 202 hp. The torque increase isn't as dramatic but is still notable: 260 pound-feet, up from 237. That torque is parsed out among five forward ratios with the new automatic transmission, versus the previous four. If you want a six-speed, you have to stick with the standard manual gearbox.

How refreshing it is to experience a Wrangler without a cacophony of engine noise. The Pentastar six is so quiet you'd almost think it shuts itself off at stoplights. Come to think of it, adding an auto stop/start system wouldn't be a bad idea, as the city fuel economy is a pretty grim 16 mpg. Highway mileage is 20 mpg -- 21 with the manual. (With the previous engine, those figures were 15/19 mpg.) It least it drinks regular fuel.

When you behold the Wrangler Unlimited in person, you realize that this is not a vehicle that is going to sip lightly at the fuel pump. It's a big beast, nearly two feet longer than a two-door Wrangler, and stands almost six feet high. In Rubicon trim, it rolls on massive, 32-inch off-road tires, and like all Wranglers, it has the aerodynamics of a billboard.

Speaking of the huge off-road tires, they're no friend to steering precision, nor is the recirculating-ball steering system. But the latter comes with the territory when you have a solid front axle -- considered a must for the Wrangler's extreme off-road capability. The tires, off course, are there for the same reason. They're standard on the Rubicon, along with more sophisticated off-road fare such as electronically detachable antiroll bars (to allow for greater wheel articulation) and electronic remote-locking front and rear differentials.

Some compromises -- vague steering, a high step-in height, bluff aerodynamics -- are worth making because they're necessitated by the Wrangler's mission. Others -- a weak and noisy engine, a cheap interior -- are not.

Accentuating the positives, while chipping away at the negatives, is the best way for Jeep to keep its signature product current, and yet still preserve its unique character.

Jeep's legendary Wrangler has gotten incredibly refined in the last two years. For 2011, an all-new interior made the SUV much more inviting, and now there's an equally impressive engine with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. Horsepower and torque have never been the highlights of the Wrangler's spec sheet, but 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque mean you will no longer have to apologize for holding up eighteen-wheelers leaving a stoplight. There's a decidedly trucky feeling through the steering wheel thanks to the Wrangler's signature solid axles and relatively long suspension travel. Not many vehicles are capable of hauling five people and a respectable amount of luggage to virtually any destination you can imagine. And no other vehicle can do so while allowing passengers to enjoy the unique open-air experience of driving without a top or doors. Speaking of which, the Wrangler's soft top is somewhat easier to take down and put up than was the case in earlier Wranglers, and you can flip back the front portion to create a makeshift sunroof. The hard top offers additional flexibility and can now be had in body-matching colors. The Wrangler handles every situation, from cruising around the beach to taming the famed Rubicon Trail, with equal ease. Previous Wranglers required a lot of sacrifices from owners and didn't make much sense for daily use, but the 2012 Jeep Wrangler has managed to become civilized enough for the mainstream market without abandoning its off-road heritage or sacrificing capability.

While 4x4 off-roaders are all made to take on rough trails, they don't all perform as well. Some take on treacherous terrain with ease, while others are left begging for a winch. So which factory 4x4 off-roader do you think is the ultimate trail king?

The U.S. Trade Representative has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization, alleging that the Chinese government is imposing unfair tariffs on American-made cars imported to China. According to the complaint, China enacted its duties in response to an American limit on the number of imported Chinese-made tires.

The annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari often allows Jeep designers and engineers alike to play with some fun new designs, and even some cool updates coming to Jeep’s production lineup. Last year's Moab Easter Safari led to the introduction of the color Dozer Yellow, and the Mopar JK-8 Independence pickup conversion kit for the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. One fantasy vehicle on the wishlists of many Jeep enthusiasts is a diesel-powered Wrangler pickup truck. In a new 2012 Moab Easter Safari video, Jeep brand CEO Mike Manley may have just hinted at that possibility for the next-generation Wrangler.

Jeep has released teasers for three concepts debuting at the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, starting March 31. This is the 46th year for the event, which will host the unveiling of six new concepts.

It would seem that the Jeep Wrangler has quite a few fans: the car’s sales have been regularly outpacing production. According to Automotive News, local union officials for the Wrangler’s Toledo, Ohio, plant now say they’ve reached an agreement with Chrysler to boost production of the iconic off-roader.

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Warranty

Recalls

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:11

Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Summary

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2012 RIGHT HAND DRIVE (RHD) JEEP WRANGLER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2007, THROUGH OCTOBER 10, 2011. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH DRIVER'S AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLIES THAT COULD EXPERIENCE A COMPROMISED AIRBAG CIRCUIT RESULTING IN AN AIRBAG LAMP ILLUMINATION, WHICH INDICATES THAT THE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY.

Consequences

A BROKEN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT IN THE AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING WIRING ASSEMBLY CAN LEAD TO NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIRBAG AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT THE DRIVER IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.

Remedy

CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REMEDY THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. CHRYSLER WILL MAIL TO OWNERS AN INTERIM NOTIFICATION DURING MARCH 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Potential Units Affected

5,437

Notes

CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:30

Component

EQUIPMENT

Summary

Quadratec, Inc. is recalling certain aftermarket accessory, driver-side, Ultimate Floor Liners part numbers 14254.0301 07, 14254.0301 08, 14254.0301Q, 14254.0302 07, 14254.0302 08, 14254.0302Q, 14254.0303 07, 14254.0303 08, 14254.0303Q, 14254.0309 07, 14254.0309 08, and 14254.0309Q sold from May 1, 2012, through February 14, 2013. The liners are for use in 2007-2013 Jeep Wranglers. The anchor point for the affected floor liners may tear during use, particularly when exposed to high temperatures. The tearing may allow the floor liner to shift forward.

Consequences

If the liner shifts forward it may impede the operation of the accelerator and possibly lead to unintended acceleration, which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Quadratec will notify owners and either exchange the liners or provide them with a hook guard kit to help secure the driver-side mat, free of charge. The recall began on April 4, 2013. Owners may contact Quadratec at 1-800-463-2998 or info@quadratec.com.

In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, a broken electrical circuit in the airbag clockspring wiring assembly can lead to non-deployment of the driver-side frontal airbag and will not be able to properly protect the driver, increasing the risk of injuries.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clockspring and add a steering wheel dust shield, free of charge. The recall began on June 10, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. This recall supercedes NHTSA recall 11V-528. Chrysler's recall campaign number is M31.

Potential Units Affected

5,440

Notes

Chrysler Group LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:30

Component

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

Summary

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Jeep Wrangler vehicles equipped with a 3.6L engine and an automatic transmission and manufactured January 23, 2011, through February 23, 2013. The power steering line may contact and wear a hole in the transmission oil cooler line resulting in a loss of transmission fluid.

Consequences

A loss of transmission fluid may result in a loss of transmission function which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return tube assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N28.

Potential Units Affected

180,131

Notes

Chrysler Group LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:30

Component

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

Summary

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Jeep Wrangler vehicles equipped with a 3.6L engine and an automatic transmission and manufactured January 23, 2011, through February 23, 2013. The power steering line may contact and wear a hole in the transmission oil cooler line resulting in a loss of transmission fluid.

Consequences

A loss of transmission fluid may result in a loss of transmission function which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return tube assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N28.

Potential Units Affected

180,131

Notes

Chrysler Group LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:41

Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured February 16, 2010, to July 19, 2013. Corrosion in the exterior heated power mirror electrical connector may result in an electrical short.

Consequences

An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will move the exterior mirror power feed to a separate connector, free of charge. Chrysler issued an interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on March 3, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P61.

Potential Units Affected

313,496

Notes

Chrysler Group LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:41

Component

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

Summary

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured February 16, 2010, to July 19, 2013. Corrosion in the exterior heated power mirror electrical connector may result in an electrical short.

Consequences

An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will move the exterior mirror power feed to a separate connector, free of charge. Chrysler issued an interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on March 3, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P61.